Batch conversion: using Configuration files.

terrypin wrote on 7/22/2014, 2:11 PM

Anyone using Batch Conversion in any recent MEP version? I'm just trying it for the first time and have an immediate problem in understanding the 'configuration' files.

Help (in MEP 2014, but same in other versions I believe) says:

"Administration
Save and load your settings here. These include the list of files to be exported and the export settings and names of all entries."

I don't follow that. Why would you want to re-use a configuration that specifies exactly the same files and settings?

I'd have thought that what you'd want is to be able to save just the export settings you've saved, if they are frequently used, to avoid having to re-enter them individually?

I'm obviously musunderstanding a basic point here, and as a result my attempts to use a config so far always result in an error.

Or for better quality: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4019461/MEP-BatchConversion-01.jpg

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 7/22/2014, 4:09 PM

Hi Terry

I get the same here for 2014, 2013 and MX. MEP17 does not appear to have any presets.

Looking at the preset and the error message it looks like the batch convert is trying to import .ts files from the My Record folder - odd behaviour!!

John

terrypin wrote on 7/23/2014, 11:58 AM

Hi John,

Thanks for testing it. Odd indeed and I'm avoiding using that now.

Batch Conversion itself is proving quite useful though. I used it for example to render a dozen similar sections of objects directly from the timeline. Easier and faster than opening a dozen projects or movies.

BTW, note that the successive file naming is flawed. For example
Export 1 gets called xyz.mp4
Export 2 gets called xyz_001.mp4
Export 3 gets called xyz_002.mp4
etc, which is unintelligent and necessitates extra work fast to avoid confusion later. I wonder what was wrong with starting at xyz_001.mp4?!

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK

johnebaker wrote on 7/23/2014, 1:00 PM

Hi Terry

The naming convention is very much a standard naming convention for sequential files.

As an example try copying and pasting the same file several times using Windows Explorer into the same folder.

John

terrypin wrote on 7/23/2014, 3:16 PM

Hi Terry

The naming convention is very much a standard naming convention for sequential files.

Yes, and I've never understood that design decision either! Is there any logical explanation for it that I've missed?

Terry, East Grinstead, UK

johnebaker wrote on 7/23/2014, 4:43 PM

Hi Terry

The only answer I can suggest is along the line sof:-

This is the original . . .

This is the first copy . . .

This is the second copy . . . .

etc etc etc.

John